Following the announcement of her sold-out debut headline live show, Gretel Hänlyn has released her debut EP Slugeye via VLF Records. Featuring standout singles ‘Slugeye’, ‘It’s the Future, Baby’, ‘Motorbike’ and ‘Apple Juice’, the EP lands alongside new focus track ‘In The Water’ – the full EP can be heard via this link.
Gretel delivered four singles in advance of today’s EP release: the bewitching title track ‘Slugeye’, the gorgeously cinematic ‘It’s The Future, Baby’, a rollicking anthem of self-discovery called ‘Motorbike’ and her most recent single ‘Apple Juice’ – one of her most confessional songs yet with a range, emotion and prowess way beyond her years. Still at the very beginning of her career, Gretel has already picked up key early support from a. umber of publications as well as plays from Clara Amfo, Jack Saunders and Sian Eleri on BBC Radio 1, Steve Lamacq on 6Music and Jess Iszatt on BBC Introducing. The rising artist also featured as the vocalist on Mura Masa’s headrush of a single ‘2gether’, now with over 7M streams on Spotify alone.
At just nineteen-years-old, London-based Gretel Hänlyn AKA Maddy Haenlein defies classification, but exudes total star quality. She finds beauty in the grotesque, weaving equal parts light and dark, dystopia and fantasy into her songwriting. Her pseudonym derives from a great aunt, who grew up on a vineyard in Germany and also happens to be Maddy’s ancestral doppelganger. Daughter of a carpenter and an artist, Gretel was constantly surrounded by creativity growing up and her style is inspired by the figures of her formative years: a summation of Nirvana’s angsty approach to alternative-pop songwriting, the vocal qualities of Nico & The Velvet Underground and the narrative storytelling of Nick Cave. The result is her own unique sonic landscape that is magnetic and full of shadowy intrigue. A sorceress who commands a deep voice, Gretel Hänlyn is your latest artist to watch.
Gretel will be playing her debut headline live show at Bermondsey Social Club on Tuesday 10th May. Tickets sold out within 48 hours but you can join the waiting list on DICE. Gretel has also been booked for a string of festival appearances this spring/summer, full dates can be found here.
